Manchester United footballer Hannah Blundell is expecting her first child in a few weeks and revealed that she is delighted to be expecting a little girl. Feeling as ready as she’ll ever be, the excited star, who is now on maternity leave, admits “everything is in place”, and she has potential names ready and waiting.
With her birth date just around the corner, busy footballer Hannah, 30, reflected on her pregnancy journey so far. She tell us, “There’s a lot to prepare for, isn’t there? Sometimes I think, ‘Oh gosh, I know nothing about having a baby’, but it’s been such a fun journey getting everything ready, and now that we’re getting closer, it’s all feeling very real.”
As if Hannah doesn’t have enough on her plate she’s paving the way for sports-mad children of the future after a recent study revealed that 27% of UK mums wished there were more positive role models in sport for their children.
“Pregnancy in sport still isn’t discussed enough, and the more we talk about it, the better support future athletes will have. It’s a learning curve for everyone, that’s why working with Nuby on their role models campaign has been really important for me in drawing attention to how we can support young girls coming through sport more.
“I know that clubs are increasingly looking at ways to support pregnant athletes and I look forward to seeing these changes being made.”
The sports star, who has partnered with baby brand Nuby, shared her personal experience of navigating pregnancy as a professional athlete.
In our exclusive Mirror chat, Hannah, who married her husband Tom Pett on June 15, 2024, also added that a much-needed discussion around fairness and representation is needed, and revealed a concern for the lack of positive representation of women in sport. She shares, “When I started [football] I was probably the minority, joining a boys team, and it was daunting knowing you were joining a group of boys and you were the only girl.
“It’s been a learning experience during my pregnancy. It’s still not that talked about in terms of women getting pregnant in the game.
“I’ve had great support from the team. Staying active has helped me both physically and mentally, but every athlete’s journey through pregnancy is different. Having the girls around me in my team has been fantastic, they’ve been such a great support to me throughout the whole process and I can’t wait for them to meet her.”
A recent survey shows that 46 per cent of mums said female sports stars aren’t given enough media recognition to inspire the next generation, but this is something Hannah, who is due to give birth this month, hopes to change.
“It’s so important for me to introduce my daughter to sport from an early age. I want her to have the opportunity to try different things, and if she takes an interest in football, that would be amazing.
“I’ve always said that whatever she chooses to do, I’ll support her, but seeing her follow in my footsteps would be really special.”
New enhanced guidance for pregnant athletes was introduced by UK Sport in 2023 promising commitment to robust, comprehensive support which prompted Hannah to discuss her plans for childcare.
“I’ve had support in looking for nurseries local to my club to take my daughter when I train, but being able to bring my daughter to training knowing that she’s there with me and being looked after would be a really good thing. My schedule changes a lot, sometimes weekly, so that can be a challenge in having that routine and finding childcare.
There’s definitely been a lot of progress over the years, but we still need more support for female athletes, especially mothers. I saw a club introduce a permanent nanny, which is an incredible step forward.
“Having childcare available at training would be a game-changer for so many athletes juggling motherhood and training. Our schedules are not regular routines so having access to flexible childcare would open so many doors for parents and help take away some of the worries about who’ll be looking after your child while you’re at training.”
In the survey, just 18 per cent of mums said sportspeople make great positive role models for children, followed by a musician or actor, both at 5 per cent.
Over a quarter or mums surveyed said they wish there were more positive influences in sports for their children.
“When I was younger playing football, I never had the exposure to role models that there is nowadays with women’s football. Now it’s a lot more interactive for young people looking up to people like myself.
“Young girls are getting more accepted playing with boys which is a fantastic thing for them and not something that makes them want to hide away.
“It’s a big responsibility, but also an honour to have a daughter who will look up to me. When I was younger, I didn’t have the same exposure to female role models in football that there is now. I know that Nuby is championing this and getting more of a spotlight on female role models – this is great for the younger girls coming through football now.
“It’s amazing to think that young girls today including my daughter will grow up seeing women succeed in sport and having fun while doing it.”
Hannah is committed to supporting new opportunities for women in sport. “Who knows where that journey will take them. I’ve always said if I was to ever be lucky enough to be a parent, whatever she decides to do while growing up I will support and if it’s not sport related that’s fine, but it would be amazing if she could follow in my footsteps.”
Fans will be delighted to hear that the proud athlete is determined to return to the sport while she parents her daughter.
“Having a child won’t make me stop what I love to do which is football. Since about the age of 16, all I’ve ever known is football whereas now it will be a big change where I have to look after a little human. It’s something I’m really looking forward to and having a new challenge for me and my family.”
James Russell–Watson, head of marketing at Nuby, added that positive representation in the media is critical for shaping children’s aspirations and values.
“What these findings show is the urgent need for change in how women in sport, especially mothers and mother’s to be are portrayed which is why our partnership with Sunderland AFC Women and Hannah Blundell is so important to us. By addressing these gaps and concerns, we aim to empower the next generation with inspiring role models and encourage a greater appreciation for the achievements of female athletes.”
